On March 31, the House Science Committee approved, by voice vote, a bill (H.R. 4030) authorizing the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award congressional medals to private entities in recognition of their contributions to elementary and secondary schools that improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Subcommittee on Research approved H.R. 4030 by voice vote on March 30. Rep. Nick Smith (R-MI) sponsored the measure.
Under the bill, ten congressional medals would be authorized each year through FY2007. Five medals would go to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and five medals would go to companies with more than 500 employees. H.R. 4030 would give priority to programs that improve math and science achievement among women and minorities.
The measure would require the NSF to distribute information about the medal recipients to schools, colleges, parents, administrators, policymakers, researchers, public and private entities, and the general public. Businesses that were finalists or recipients of a medal would be permitted to publicize their achievement for advertising and other publicity purposes.
Prior to final approval, the committee approved, by voice vote, a substitute amendment by Chair Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) that would allow the NSF to change the date it issues a report on policies and activities to encourage women and minorities in science. At present, the NSF issues the report and a science and engineering indicators report every even-numbered year. The amendment would allow the women and minorities report to be issued every odd-numbered year.
